As the meeting concluded, the great doors of the Sylvaneth palace opened, and the leaders of the Great noble families began to file out in orderly fashion, their expressions solemn and resolved.One by one, they disappeared into the twilight, their aides following behind like shadows.The hall slowly emptied, leaving only three figures behind:King Elpis Evergreen, Queen Elara Evergreen, and Belenus Lumina.The green glow of mana-crystals continued to bathe the great hall in a soft, ethereal light as Belenus approached the throne once more, no longer bound by the formal restraint he wore during the council.“Do you really believe Conri will act?” Belenus asked, his tone shedding the usual formal veneer of court.Elpis leaned back in his living throne, his sharp eyes drifting toward the vaulted ceiling above.“He will. Among all the Great Families, those with the deepest bloodlust have always hailed from the North.”Elpis’s voice was low, sure.“I’ve known Conri for years—even before h

Without wasting time, the two departed the Bluemoon estate and began their journey south, heading toward the Black Fur Sect—where tensions near the borders were starting to rise.A Week Later – Riverwind Territory, Western Border RegionNestled deep within the Riverwind family’s territory—known across Verdantia as Springfield—stood a fortified stronghold near the western edge, not far from the tri-border junction between Lunaris, Springfield, and the territory of Stormreach.The fortress, constructed from pale-gray stone quarried from the highlands, stood firm amidst a thick forest and surrounding wetlands.Its high walls were scarred with age, wrapped in moss and lichen, and partially hidden by towering evergreens.Murky Half frozen water pooled around the base where forest met swamp.Narrow watchtowers rose above the tree line, their guards vigilant, eyes scanning the horizon.Within, the mood was tense.Smoke rose from torches lit inside the war chamber, casting flickering shadows